Martin Dempster: Matthew shines in the mother of all wins

HAVING long advocated Catriona Matthew as one of the unsung stars of Scottish sport, it was heart-warming to see the North Berwick woman play a key role in Europe’s superb Solheim Cup victory at Kileen Castle on Sunday.

Used brilliantly by captain Alison Nicholas to ‘mother’ some of her rookies over the opening two days, Matthew’s standing in the women’s game was further illustrated as she was then sent out first for the Europeans in the singles against Paula Creamer.

The American had been described by one commentator earlier in the week as the “Ian Poulter of women’s team golf”, yet she had no answer to Matthew’s methodical magic as the Scot racked up a vital win.

The way the Europeans turned the match round in the final hour’s play was truly amazing, with Suzann Pettersen and Caroline Hedwall, in particular, conjuring up shots that defied belief under the enormous pressure.

If there’s still anyone out there who dares to criticise the standard of women’s golf, do yourself a favour and buy this particular DVD when it comes out. It will be money well spent, believe me.